BUDGET airline easyJet stuck by its profit forecasts today after revealing it carried 18% more passengers last month than a year ago.

The group, which has its main base at Luton, said 2.9 million people flew on its planes during the month, boosting the figure for the year to August to 29.2 million.

Last month, easyJet put investors on standby for profits of around £62.2 million - in line with last year - after showing fresh signs that it was winning the battle to offset higher fuel bills. It had previously told the City that it was unlikely to match its 2004 profits haul.

Chief executive Ray Webster said today that the firm was maintaining this guidance and said: "August was another strong month for easyJet."

Contrast

Today's figures were in contrast with data from British Airways, which said earlier this week that it carried 3.9% fewer passengers in August when its operations at Heathrow were paralysed by wildcat strikes.

EasyJet has grown its network to more than 187 routes and 57 airports using 103 aircraft. As well as its base at Luton, it has sizeable operations at Bristol, Edinburgh, Stansted, Gatwick and elsewhere.

The group said last week that Andrew Harrison, the former boss of the RAC motoring organisation, will take over as chief executive from Mr Webster in December.